A precision bred tomato has now been officially approved, demonstrating the opportunities for modified crops to boost health and, potentially, help adapt crops to the effects of climate change.

This tomato is especially useful as it accumulates high levels of pro-vitamin D3 in the fruit and leaves, and the biofortified tomato could be a low-cost, plant-based solution that can improve diets across the world.

The tomato is also the first crop to receive PBO (Precision bred organism) marketing approval at the John Innes Centre and follows a PBO barley on to the UK register, and the first vegetable (okay, technically it’s fruit).

In 2025, the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Regulations 2025 took effect, completing the UK’s post-Brexit framework for gene-edited plants, a major shift from EU regime allowing greater freedom in PBO development.

Next steps for the intrepid tomato include the plants being crossed with sweeter tasting and striped varieties that can be marketed as the ‘sunshine’ tomato, a nod towards its increased vitamin D content, as well as an application for FSA approval.

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